Medical engineering & physics
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Comparative Study
Lung function interpolation by means of neural-network-supported analysis of respiration sounds.
Respiration sounds of individual asthmatic patients were analysed in the scope of the development of a method for computerised recognition of the degree of airways obstruction. Respiration sounds were recorded during laboratory sessions of allergen provoked airways obstruction, during several stages of advancing obstruction. The technique of artificial neural networks was applied for relating sound spectra and simultaneously measured lung function values (spirometry parameter FEV(1)). ⋯ In this way, a situation was simulated of an existing network recognising a new asthmatic attack under the same physiological conditions. It appeared to be possible to interpolate FEV(1) values, and it is concluded that a deterministic relationship exists between sound spectra and lung function parameter FEV(1). Variance optimisation appeared to be important in optimising the neural network configuration.
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The objective of this study is to determine the three dimensional kinematics of the human pelvis including both sacroiliac joints following a simulated open book injury induced on cadavers by applying anterior-posterior compressive loads to the pelvis. An electromagnetic digitizing and motion tracking system was utilized to measure the morphology of the pelvis and the relative movements of its bones during this simulated open book fracture. The screw displacement axis method was used to describe the relative motion between the sacrum and each hipbone. ⋯ One can thus conclude that in open book pelvic injuries, the pubic bone on the side of injury displaces inferiorly on the outlet projection x-rays with no vertical displacement of the SIJ. This is important since the initial assessment of the open book injury in the emergency room includes outlet projection x-rays. From this study, the relative vertical positions of the pubic bones on these x-rays can help the surgeon in differentiating open book fracture injury from other pelvic injuries.